The first step in learning online poker is identifying the type of games and stakes you’re comfortable playing. Different poker networks cater to different player types. Some have better players than others, so it’s best to choose the poker room that ticks most of your preferences. You’ll find that some networks are flooded with excellent players, and others are a bit easier to win against.

The regulations that govern online poker sites limit the amount of risk a site can take with client money. However, these regulations don’t prevent online poker sites from taking on low-risk investments that generate significant revenue. In addition, most online poker sites don’t require their players to pay interest on their bankrolls.

Online poker was widely available in the United States before 2006. However, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 outlawed the practice. The law was based on the 1961 Federal Wire Act, which was aimed at illegal gambling. Since then, seven states have legalized some forms of online gambling.

Despite US laws, offshore poker sites continue to find creative ways to circumvent the UIGEA. As of December 2016, four states have passed legislation legalizing online poker in their “fenced-in markets,” and three have reached an agreement to share player pools. The Global Poker company began accepting US customers in December 2016. The site uses a virtual currency online poker model that doesn’t fall under the definition of online gambling.

While Florida lawmakers have been reluctant to legalize online poker, some social poker sites are available to residents of the state. These poker sites offer the opportunity to play poker online for fun and prize money. In addition to real-money sites, there are also sweepstakes poker sites that use virtual currencies. Some of these sweepstakes poker sites also offer the opportunity to redeem prize prizes for cash. Global Poker is one of the most popular of these sites.